Tipping in Europe is not the same as tipping in the US, and it's not uniform across countries either. The short version: tips are appreciated but rarely obligatory, amounts are modest, and in some countries they're genuinely not expected at all. Here's the country-by-country reality.

France

Tipping is not expected in France. A service charge (service compris) is legally included in all restaurant bills. Leaving a euro or two for good service is appreciated but entirely optional. Do not feel obligated to tip 10-15% — it's not the norm and no one expects it.

Germany and Austria

Round up the bill. If the total is €18.50, say €20 when you hand over the cash. This is how tipping works in Germany: you tell the server the total you want to pay and they give you the change rather than you leaving money on the table. Tipping 5-10% for a sit-down meal at a good restaurant is generous and appreciated. Tipping is not expected in fast casual or counter-service settings.

Italy

Rounding up is standard. Some restaurants add a coperto (cover charge) per person, which covers bread and the table — this is not a service charge and tipping on top is still appreciated. Leaving a euro or two per person for a sit-down meal is plenty. Don't tip at bars or counter-service spots.

Spain

Tipping is not deeply embedded in Spanish culture. A small tip (rounding up, or leaving loose change) is appreciated but no one will think less of you for not doing it. For a full restaurant meal with good service, leaving €1-2 per person is fine. Skip the tip at tapas bars and cafes.

Netherlands

Service is included in most bills. Leaving small change or rounding up to the nearest euro is appreciated. Tipping around 5-10% at a sit-down restaurant for genuinely good service is considered generous. Not expected at casual spots or bars.

UK (and Ireland)

The exception: the UK tips at a rate closer to North America than continental Europe. 10-12.5% is standard at sit-down restaurants and is widely expected. Many restaurants add a discretionary service charge to the bill automatically — check before you add more. Tipping at bars is not customary.

Czech Republic (Prague)

Tipping is appreciated and increasingly expected in tourist-facing restaurants. Around 10% is reasonable. Round up taxi fares.

The General Rule

If you had good service at a sit-down meal, rounding up or leaving a euro or two per person is appropriate almost everywhere in Europe. Anything beyond that is generosity, not obligation.